Do you feel unloved or unvalued by God? If so, then you’re going to love this article. In this article I address the parable of the prodigal son because, in the prodigal son, Jesus introduces the heart of the Father—His Father. You are likely familiar with this passage. Question: How many sons are in the passage? The answer might surprise you. The answer is 3. People remember the oldest and youngest son, but they always forget the middle son. The middle son is the son telling the story. Jesus is saying, “This is a story about my daddy. You guys are going to love it.”
The Prodigal Son
Jesus said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.” (Luke 15: 11-13) The story begins with the youngest son asking his father for his inheritance. After receiving his inheritance he leaves his family and goes on a journey. On this journey he spends all of his money. You do not receive an inheritance until your father dies. The son was saying, “Dad I wish you was dead, give me what is to be mine.” With that the dad turned over what was to be his and watched his son leave.
The son, inevitably, runs out of money. “Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ (Luke 15: 14-19) Thing’s didn’t turn out like he expected. Returning as a slave wasn’t his ultimate goal.
He was so hungry he wanted to eat the very stuff he was feeding the pigs. First, He’s a Jewish man taking care of pigs. Not the best job. Second, have you ever seen slop? Pig slop is not very appetizing. While he was feeding the pigs and dying of hunger, he realized his dad’s slaves were living better than he was. That’s when he got an idea. He will return home and beg his father for work. He wanted to return to his father as a slave.
The Return Home
Walking back home was quite the distance. Remember, the son had traveled to a distant country. While traveling, the son practiced his speech for his dad. “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” How many times have you had to apologize and ask a favor of someone? Did you rehearse your speech? I know I did.
The son makes it home. “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) The only way the father could have seen his son from a long way off is if the father had been watching for the son. Ever since the son left home, the father watched for him, longing for his son’s return. While the son was still a long way off, the father ran to him. In that period dignified men didn’t run. The father was showing that his son is more important to him than his dignity. The son, covered in sweat, blood, dirt, and pig slop, was kissed and embraced by his father. The father was not afraid to get dirty. He didn’t care what his son smelled like. His son was back. That’s all that mattered.
Finally the son had his chance. The spotlight turned on and he walked to center stage. The time of his speech had come. “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15: 21-24) All the son wanted was to be a slave. All the father wanted was his son.
Thoughts for Today
- God is the Father who gladly accepts us, His children, with open arms.
- He’s the God who waits; the God who runs. Would He trade His dignity to show His love for you? Absolutely!
- He longs to embrace you, no matter how dirty or smelly you might be. Yet, most of us desire simply to work for Him. After salvation, most return to God as a slave; however, He calls us His children.
- We want to work for God’s love; He wants us to rest in His love. There’s a difference between working for God’s love and working out of God’s love.
- You are a child of God. Today, take a moment to rest in your Father’s love.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
Finish the Story: The Father Heart of God: The Story Continues
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